MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39 Sydney, NSW 2001
Application: SSI 7485
Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,
I write regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass and changes to pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.
I request RMS work with the community to explore alternate design options to the proposed new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe, direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. The GreenLink was more than just a walk way - it put people central to the design, maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the community now and into the future Bays Precinct design.
I am requesting RMS put people back into the plan – I want you to reinstate your own vision as laid out in Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Work with the community to design a feasible option that brings the best elements from the approved EIS design into the modification.

My key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
● The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson Street.
● Being required to cross five sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent as my option to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from Rozelle light rail stop.
● Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community off from the area and the proposed revitalisation of the entire Bays Precinct, including linking the Light Rail and Bus stops to a Ferry wharf and Metro station.
● Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
● Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.
My submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to:
● Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park.
● Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.
● Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and it’s potential future development.
● Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force us onto busier streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
● Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf.

Yours Sincerely,
Kristy Walters

Change of plan in piecemeal project – now an overpass at the Crescent Annandale! What next?
I have studied available documentation and strongly object to the proposed overpass at The Crescent in Annandale.
An alternative proposal is being canvassed to build a short tunnel under the City West Link. I support this approach as it would
(a) overcome the outdated visually polluting 1960’s Los Angeles freeway being proposed
(b) allow for the ‘green bridge’ to connect the parklands
(c) allow for a single pedestrian crossing at Johnson Street
(d) allow for the retention of trees adjacent to the light rail station
In addition, I support the proposal that the right hand turn lane at the Crescent from Johnston Street be reinstated in the plan to limit overflow of traffic through local Annandale Streets to Glebe.
Further, the much loved people’s mural must be protected.

I am concerned about the impact of the overpass visually for the area as I am yet to find an overpass in Sydney which is considered anything other than an eye sore.
The shared pedestrian bridge to the east of the overpass is simply not wide enough and due to it being fenced in will make it feel unsafe especially after dark. It will be a terrible vulnerable place to be should you encounter a threat to your personal safety. Why can this not be made wider and more like the Green link to the west.

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39 Sydney, NSW 2001

Application: SSI 7485

Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,

I am writing regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass and changes to pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.

I request RMS work with the community to explore alternate design options to the proposed new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe, direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. The GreenLink was more than just a walk way - it put people central to the design, maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the community now and into the future Bays Precinct design.

I am requesting RMS put people back into the plan – I want you to reinstate your own vision as laid out in Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Work with the community to design a feasible option that brings the best elements from the approved EIS design into the modification.

My key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
● The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson Street.
● Being required to cross five sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent as my option to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from the Rozelle light rail stop.
● Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community off from the area and the proposed revitalisation of the entire Bays Precinct, including linking the Light Rail and Bus stops to a Ferry wharf and Metro station.
● Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
● Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.

My submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to PLEASE:
● Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park.
● Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.
● Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and it’s potential future development.
● Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force us onto busier streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
● Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf.

Yours Sincerely,
Carolyn McNees
XX XXX XXXX (address redacted upon submitter's request), Annandale NSW 2038
XXXXXXXXXXXX (email redacted upon submitter's request)

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment​​
GPO Box 39
Sydney, NSW 2001

Application: SSI 7485

Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,

I write regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass and changes to pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.

I request RMS work with the community to explore alternate design options to the proposed new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe, direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. The GreenLink was more than just a walk way - it put people central to the design, maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the community now and into the future Bays Precinct design.

I am requesting RMS put people back into the plan – we want you to reinstate your own vision as laid out in Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Work with us to design a feasible option that brings the best elements from the approved EIS design into the modification.

My key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
● The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson Street.
● Being required to cross five sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent as my option to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from Rozelle Bay light rail stop.
● Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community off from the area and the proposed revitalisation of the entire Bays Precinct, including linking the Light Rail and Bus stops to a Ferry wharf and Metro station.
● Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
● Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.

Alongside these issues my other concerns include:

POOR CONSULTATION
I’m very concerned with the lack of community consultation around this modification which — if you’re honest with yourselves — is a complete redesign of this intersection. Nearly everyone I talked to a week ago knew NOTHING about this change.

This type of behaviour appears as if RMS is trying to sneak through major changes to our local area and only exacerbates the rift between you and the community.

MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT WE’VE GOT

As a new parent of a six month old son who will attend Annandale North Primary and as a local resident of over six years myself, my family and friends are all frequent users of our local green spaces. We are particularly lucky to be able to walk down to the water on the Glebe Foreshore to exercise, or just walk around the bay to clear our minds. One of our favourite activities on a Sunday is to stroll down to the Glebe Foreshore and on to Sydney Fish Markets for lunch before walking back home. This open space is of huge importance to us and the wellbeing of the people that live in this busy city. Sydney is SO lucky to be on the harbour and we should be doing everything we can to sensitively design infrastructure around this asset — not compromise access through lazy design. The overpass has been dumped in the middle of the plan and everything has been changed to fit around it. You need to change the priorities and put people back as a priority stakeholder in this plan.

PRACTICING GOOD DESIGN
Whilst I understand that there are constraints in every design but what I’m seeing in the MOD2 reports is table after table of optimisation for cars and roads and a huge number of disadvantages for pedestrians, cyclists and the internationally recognised asset that is the Sydney Harbour.

A good design would optimise around unique and valuable assets (Harbour/Foreshore) and balance the needs of all stakeholders with special attention paid to those most at risk (pedestrians, cyclists).

HONOURING PROMISES MADE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
The Approved Environmental Impact Statement at
https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSI-7485%2120190227T231413.342%20GMT p8 details several principals which have been completely abandoned by this modification:

● Connect and provide for communities The concept offers a parkland destination that works to stitch together previously separated communities by providing a range of social infrastructure at a central, easily accessible location. MOD 2 fails this principal
● Enhance green links The concept reactivates closed-off land through new green spaces and links. These links strategically establish a new green “interaction” connecting a series of significant yet fragmented [future and existing] green spaces in and around White Bay, Rozelle Bay, Rozelle, Balmain, Glebe and Annandale. MOD 2 removes direct access
● Respond to the local character Respecting and maintaining the unique heritage, industrial character and topography of the Rozelle Rail Yards through interpretation. A massive concrete overpass obstructing a historically significant local mural and concrete plaza — really?
● Revitalise streets for equality of mobility New public spaces and much-needed universally accessible links establish entirely new “public streets” and enhance the surrounding neighbourhood. If, like me, you’ve pushed a heavy pram up long, steep ramps, looked after two kids on scooters on their way to the park or volunteered to supervise 60 school kids on their way to the park MOD2 is NOT an enhancement


My submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to:
● Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park
● Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.
● Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and it’s potential future development.
● Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force them onto busier streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
● Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf

Furthermore I suggest:

That the decision to install unfiltered ventilation stacks so close to numerous childcare facilities and schools be reviewed and amended. I find it terrifying that these stacks have been approved with no filtering systems at all.


Yours Sincerely,




Name: EMILY ELIZABETH HARMER

Address: XXXXXXXXX (redacted upon submitter's request), ANNANDALE, NSW 2038

Email: XXXXXXXXXX (redacted upon submitter's request)

See attached PDF

To the Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services,

I hereby object to the Annandale Overpass that is being applied for via SSI 7485.
I’m concerned that this Los Angeles style overpass will:
Have an unacceptable and unnecessary visual impact, and obstruct a significant local mural;
Make it more difficult for pedestrians to access Jubilee Park from Johnston St Annandale and the Rozelle Goods Yards in Lilyfield;
Destroy over 70 trees including the large, mature fig trees at Buruwan Park; and
Fail to solve Sydney's traffic congestion problem.
Global experience of major toll road construction has demonstrated conclusively that projects like this increase air pollution, encourage more car use, fleece road users with exorbitant tolls and eventually fill the increased road capacity they create.
This modification completely ignores the conditions of consent given for this project and threatens to impose unacceptable negative consequences on the landscape and liveability of our local area.
The proposed overpass is totally out of step with local development in Annandale and will obstruct a local heritage mural and destroy Buruwan Park. Sufficient consideration hasn’t been given to obvious alternatives such as an underground tunnel running under Whites Creek.

Visual impact and obstruction of ‘people’s mural’
This modification will impose hugely on the local landscape in the inner west. A new elevated overpass is completely at odds with local development standards and will have a significant negative visual impact on Annandale and its surrounds.
The overpass will also obstruct Rodney Monk’s heritage mural which decorates the northern side of the light rail viaduct along The Crescent. That mural was commissioned by the Leichhardt Council in 1980 and inspired by political and social movements in the inner west. It is a dearly loved and historically important local artefact that should be protected.

This proposal could be replaced with a slot cut and cover trench running under Whites Creek to push traffic underground instead of overground and avoid the massive imposition of an overpass and destruction of the ‘people’s mural’.

Pedestrian access to Bicentennial Park and Jubilee Park
This modification prioritises the needs of motorists, trashing the experience of local pedestrian traffic and making harder for residents to access the public waterfront.
Pedestrians walking from the Western side of Johnston Street will have to use an astonishing four pedestrian crossings in order to reach Bicentennial Park (see diagram below).
This pedestrian arrangement should be modified to allow pedestrians to cross direct from Johnston Street to the Park via The Crescent.

Destruction of mature fig trees at Buruwan Park
This design proposes to rip up Buruwan Park and all the vegetation at that site including over 70 trees and several beautiful mature fig trees.
Removing this vegetation will impact on the liveability of our suburb by removing shade, making our local area warmer and destroying the green barrier it provides between the City West Link and residences. Even if these trees are replaced with saplings, it could take up to a decade for tree cover to return to this site.
Any modification to this proposal should make every possible effort to save these trees and vegetation. At a bare minimum, these trees should not be removed until a full Urban Design and Landscape Plan has been completed.

Relocation of the green link
This modification would abandon one of the centrepieces of the original design: a pedestrian and cycling green link to connect the Rozelle Goods Yard to Bicentennial Park.
Relocating that green link to the west of the intersection of The Crescent and City West Link ignores the original conditions of consent given for this project and puts the needs of motorists ahead of pedestrians and cyclists.
The proposed pedestrian bridge further north up the City West Link creates an unnecessarily long walk for pedestrians and an unnecessarily high climb of 5+ metres.
RMS and the contractors should reconsider other design options for a continuous green link from Rozelle Goods Yard, across the City West Link into Jubilee Park, including a link to Annandale and the Rozelle Bay light rail stop.

Increased local traffic in Annandale
This modification would remove the option to turn right out of Johnston Street into the Crescent which will increase traffic through local streets including Piper Street and Booth Street.
These changed conditions will mean increased noise and emissions for residents in Annandale.

Please revert to your original plans of having a underground tunnel. An overground overpass will limit our access to Jubilee Park from Annandale, and be an eyesore, and not in keeping with the villagey feel that Annadale has.

Rgds,

Ramona

Ramona Batchelor

The project will have an unacceptable visual impact in proximity to the Rozelle Bay Light Rail station. It will obstruct an important mural which has been on the Crescent for decades and is an important community artwork. The project will destroy an unacceptable number of trees and an important park that is home to brush tail possums and many bird species. Annandale has so few parks as it is, therefore losing even a small one is not acceptable. Creating green space on the other side of city Westlink does not make up for the loss of the park. The area is Annandale's only foreshore area and should be kept and enhanced not destroyed. The foreshore area should be linked to Bicentennial Park creating better green spaces, not creating huge LA style roads that dehumanise and ruin historic suburbs. The section is part of a bay walk which will be hugely and negatively impacted by the overpass. Overpasses such as this do not belong anywhere on or close to our harbour foreshore. Let us not make another major mistake like we did with the Cahill Expressway. This is a short term, senseless decision. Our policy makers must look to the long term and place this project and others like it underground where they belong.

To the Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services,

I hereby object to the Annandale Overpass that is being applied for via SSI 7485.
I’m concerned that this Los Angeles style overpass will:
Have an unacceptable and unnecessary visual impact, and obstruct a significant local mural;
Make it more difficult for pedestrians to access Jubilee Park from Johnston St Annandale and the Rozelle Goods Yards in Lilyfield;
Destroy over 70 trees including the large, mature fig trees at Buruwan Park; and
Fail to solve Sydney's traffic congestion problem.
Global experience of major toll road construction has demonstrated conclusively that projects like this increase air pollution, encourage more car use, fleece road users with exorbitant tolls and eventually fill the increased road capacity they create.
This modification completely ignores the conditions of consent given for this project and threatens to impose unacceptable negative consequences on the landscape and liveability of our local area.
The proposed overpass is totally out of step with local development in Annandale and will obstruct a local heritage mural and destroy Buruwan Park. Sufficient consideration hasn’t been given to obvious alternatives such as an underground tunnel running under Whites Creek.

Visual impact and obstruction of ‘people’s mural’
This modification will impose hugely on the local landscape in the inner west. A new elevated overpass is completely at odds with local development standards and will have a significant negative visual impact on Annandale and its surrounds.
The overpass will also obstruct Rodney Monk’s heritage mural which decorates the northern side of the light rail viaduct along The Crescent. That mural was commissioned by the Leichhardt Council in 1980 and inspired by political and social movements in the inner west. It is a dearly loved and historically important local artefact that should be protected.

This proposal could be replaced with a slot cut and cover trench running under Whites Creek to push traffic underground instead of overground and avoid the massive imposition of an overpass and destruction of the ‘people’s mural’.

Pedestrian access to Bicentennial Park and Jubilee Park
This modification prioritises the needs of motorists, trashing the experience of local pedestrian traffic and making harder for residents to access the public waterfront.
Pedestrians walking from the Western side of Johnston Street will have to use an astonishing four pedestrian crossings in order to reach Bicentennial Park (see diagram below).
This pedestrian arrangement should be modified to allow pedestrians to cross direct from Johnston Street to the Park via The Crescent.

Destruction of mature fig trees at Buruwan Park
This design proposes to rip up Buruwan Park and all the vegetation at that site including over 70 trees and several beautiful mature fig trees.
Removing this vegetation will impact on the liveability of our suburb by removing shade, making our local area warmer and destroying the green barrier it provides between the City West Link and residences. Even if these trees are replaced with saplings, it could take up to a decade for tree cover to return to this site.
Any modification to this proposal should make every possible effort to save these trees and vegetation. At a bare minimum, these trees should not be removed until a full Urban Design and Landscape Plan has been completed.

Relocation of the green link
This modification would abandon one of the centrepieces of the original design: a pedestrian and cycling green link to connect the Rozelle Goods Yard to Bicentennial Park.
Relocating that green link to the west of the intersection of The Crescent and City West Link ignores the original conditions of consent given for this project and puts the needs of motorists ahead of pedestrians and cyclists.
The proposed pedestrian bridge further north up the City West Link creates an unnecessarily long walk for pedestrians and an unnecessarily high climb of 5+ metres.
RMS and the contractors should reconsider other design options for a continuous green link from Rozelle Goods Yard, across the City West Link into Jubilee Park, including a link to Annandale and the Rozelle Bay light rail stop.

Increased local traffic in Annandale
This modification would remove the option to turn right out of Johnston Street into the Crescent which will increase traffic through local streets including Piper Street and Booth Street.
These changed conditions will mean increased noise and emissions for residents in Annandale.

Please revert to your original plans of having a underground tunnel. An overground overpass will limit our access to Jubilee Park from Annandale, and be an eyesore, and not in keeping with the villagey feel that Annadale has.

Rgds,

Paul Batchelor

I wish to formally object to the proposal replacing a tunnel with an overpass contained in The Crescent Overpass and Active Transport Links Modification Report, August 2019, “the proposal”, on the following grounds:

1. VISUAL IMPACT
1.1. The original proposal that was agreed was a tunnel, which, apart from its construction phase would have had little impact on the area.
1.2. The proposed “modifications” are so significant that the proposed overpass will dominate and destroy the local landscape.
1.3. This is in an area that has over two hundred years of history. It is listed as a heritage conservation area. The Inner West Council states on its website, “Little change can be expected other than modest additions and discrete alterations”. (https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/develop/planning-controls/heritage-andconservation/heritage-conservation-areas. Accessed 11/9/19). In view of these guidelines to residents, how can a massive overpass be justified?
1.4. The modifications are so different from the original proposals that they fly in the face of conditions of the original consent.
1.5. There will be a massive, and purely negative, visual impact on a large number of residents in Annandale.

2. NOISE POLLUTION
2.1. The prevailing winds in Sydney are Westerly;
2.2. There will be significant noise pollution to persons and property in a large area, predominantly but not limited to, the west of the proposed overpass. This will adversely affect Annandale.

3. RELOCATION OF THE GREEN LINK
3.1. Consent for the original proposal (by way of a tunnel) was conditional upon the “Green Link” connecting the Rozelle Goods Yard to Bicentennial Park.
3.2. The proposal seeks to “re-locate” this link, thereby removing the direct connection.
3.3. Anyone wishing to walk or cycle from the Rozelle Goods Yard to Bicentennial Park will now need to walk for an estimated minimum of 20 minutes, alongside a raised motorway overpass, beside the traffic on the crescent, eventually crossing four pedestrian crossings. This is farcical and dangerous. It shows no consideration of residents, pedestrians and cyclists.

4. DESTRUCTION OF BURUWAN PARK
4.1. As Annandale residents, one of the things that makes our suburb so desirable is its parks and established trees. They are used by families throughout the year, they link us to the two hundred year history of the suburb and they provide us with a green barrier between the City West Link and residences.
4.2. Our Council and State governments normally support measures to combat global warming: it seems extraordinary that at a time when the whole world is decrying the destruction of trees in the Amazon, a serious proposal is made that would cause the loss of well over 70 trees, some of which are beautiful, mature fig trees, and which cannot be compensated for with new planting.
4.3. The creeping destruction of Sydney’s green spaces, little by little, risks the loss of amenities that are essential for a city’s health.

5. REMOVAL OF RIGHT TURN OUT OF JOHNSTON ST INTO THE CRESCENT
5.1. This is crucial for local residents and removing this right turn will mean increased traffic through local streets.
5.2. Currently, children play on local streets. The removal of the right turn into the Crescent will cause an increase in traffic in local streets. The proposals, should they proceed, will either force them inside or endanger them. In addition, there will be an increase in noise and emissions in local streets.

6. DESTRUCTION OF COMMUNITY
6.1. Annandale and its environs have a strong sense of community, it is in many respects like a village. This is due in part to its quiet atmosphere. The construction of an inherently noisy overpass will have a significant adverse effect on the area.
6.2. One of the reasons people love living in Annandale is this sense of community and the easy access to parks and water.
6.3. People greet each other in the street, businesses know the local residents, it is safe for children to play outside and everyday residents throng to Jubilee and Bicentennial Parks.
6.4. It is a healthy, friendly and supportive community with values the government should be fostering. We believe the proposed modifications will change this detrimentally in every way.
6.5. We understand that the reason the modification is sought is a financial one. However, a proper cost/benefit analysis that fails to take into account the above listed objections will give a flawed result. It is only by taking into account the intangible benefits that will be destroyed by an overpass, that a proper accounting can be done. The loss of property values and lifestyle of thousands of people in Annandale and its environs seems to have been omitted from the calculations.

For the reasons detailed above I oppose the proposed modification from a tunnel to an overpass, and I look forward to your reply.